After months of uncertainty, the deadline for the new Companies House identity verification requirement has been confirmed as 18 November 2025.
From this date, all new company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
All existing directors and PSCs will have 12 months to verify their identity, effectively making 18 November 2026 the full deadline for identity verification.
This requirement is part of wider reforms to help prevent the misuse of UK companies and is part of the years-long overhaul of Companies House that is currently unfolding.
Identity verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of Limited Liability Partnerships, and officers of corporate PSCs will be introduced at a later date.
How do directors prepare for the identity verification deadline?
If you’re a new director, then you should make preparations now to ensure your identity is verified ahead of your first filing.
If you are an existing director, then 18 November marks the start of a transition year where all directors must verify their identity before filing their company’s next confirmation statement.
For example, if your company’s confirmation statement is due on 31 March 2026, all directors must be verified by that date.
It is essential that you verify your identity ahead of attempting to file otherwise you will not be able to do so, and you will risk incurring penalties.
You’ll need to provide Companies House with the personal code and a verification statement for each director on the confirmation statement.
If you have any directors or PSCs that are overseas or may otherwise face delays in providing the information, then be sure to contact them as early as possible to avoid issues.
If you’re a director of multiple companies, you’ll need to do this for each company separately, using the same personal code each time.
The best way to keep ahead of these changes is to check when your next confirmation statement is due to make sure your company is prepared.
You can do this by visiting the Companies House website and searching for your company.
If you are uncertain of how to do this, then get in touch, and we can lend a hand.
If you are looking to set up a new business then the deadline will impact you as well.
From 18 November, you’ll need to provide identity verification details to incorporate a new company or be appointed to an existing company.
How do PSCs prepare for the identity verification deadline?
You’ll need to provide your personal code to Companies House for your role as a PSC.
There will be an online service to do this when the requirement comes into effect on 18 November.
Every PSC will have a 14-day period during which they must provide their personal code.
The dates of your 14-day period depend on whether you were registered as a PSC with Companies House before 18 November and whether you’re also a director of the company.
If you’ve already verified your identity for Companies House, you do not need to do it again, but you will need to provide Companies House with your personal code and a verification statement for each role you hold.
How can I verify my identity?
When it comes to verifying your identity with Companies House, there are two main options for you to choose.
You can either use the DIY method or you can seek the services of an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
The DIY method involves using your GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity.
This will give you access to the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service and will allow you to do all that you need to online.
You will be asked a few basic questions, and this will enable you to go through the process, providing all of the relevant documentation needed to verify your identity.
The options available may depend on your device, whether you have photo ID, and the type of ID you have.
There is a two-step process to verifying your identity, and you will need to perform both steps correctly to be able to continue making filings.
The first step involves verifying your identity and receiving your Companies House personal code.
This code is unique to you and should be kept secure and not shared with anyone.
The second step is to link your verified identity to each company role you hold by providing your personal code and a verification statement for each role.
What are the benefits of using an ACSP to verify my identity?
We are registering as an ACSP, so we can verify your identity and submit your Companies House filings on your behalf.
Our service will be launching officially in September 2025, but we are ready to chat with you about the benefits of using an ACSP.
An ACSP will ensure that all of your documents are in order and will manage the entire process for you.
This can be a good way to avoid any mistakes or issues that will result in you getting penalised for submitting incorrect information or missing deadlines.
ACSPs are designed to combat money laundering and are the only third parties eligible to verify identities or submit filings on your behalf.
Take care not to accept the services of any third-party that is not a registered ACSP, as they are no longer entitled to act on your behalf.
Where can I find the details I need to verify my identity?
If you are using the ‘DIY’ method to verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login, you’ll be able to view your personal code in the ‘manage account’ section of your Companies House account.
If you appoint us as your ACSP and we verify your identity, you’ll receive your personal code by email.
You should share your personal code with us securely, as we will need the code in order to assist you and your company with future filings.
The rest of the information needed should be in your possession, as it will be on your documents or as part of the registered information on Companies House.
Given that a lot has changed with Companies House recently, we are advising all directors and PSCs to make sure their personal information, especially the date of birth, matches what is held on the Companies House register.
Steps should be taken to correct any errors now, otherwise it will not be possible to complete all the new verification steps.
What should I do now?
With the deadline officially confirmed, now is the time to take action.
From 18 November 2025, you will not be able to file your company’s confirmation statement or have us do so on your company’s behalf unless all directors have verified their identity.
By acting now, you can avoid delays and make sure your company stays compliant before the deadline hits.
This will give each officer enough time to complete the process, especially if your company has more than one director and/or PSC.
Additionally, you might need as much time as you have left to ensure that directors and PSCs based outside of the UK have plenty of time to verify using the ‘DIY’ method, or by appointing us as an ACSP.
